takes the reader on another special journey with Zoie Baker; from the romantic but turbulent time of World War II, through the tumultuous decade of the 1960's; and ending with Zoie gathering cans during the 1980's.

There is magic, not just because of the wondrous characters, but also the friendships formed and the joys and the sorrows realized by each unique character.

However, in Zoie's idyllic world to gather her cans to build a community swimming pool, it becomes clear in the story that not every citizen is happy with her intrusion on their local roads. There are those who believe that Zoie is crazy or inflicted with a satanic soul, or worse, maybe even a communist spy. Some are cynical; and a few prove to be deadly dangerous and take action to rid her from their community.

Just when the tension reaches the boiling point, Gathering of Cans delivers an ending that will stun the reader into the appreciation of one independent woman's commitment to her family and friends.

I couldn't believe Aluminum Cans could make a great story. I was wrong. Sharon Sommers

I like to be educated when I read and I was not disappointed in Saunders's ability to weave such subjects as the musicians involved in the Jazz world, the horrors of combat during World War II, and even the craftsmanship of cheese making and wood carving.
Aluminum cans tell the 40-year story of Zoie Baker's memories that revolve around the main characters: Nat, the young Marine; Della, the serious Jazz singer/composer; Jerry, the wood sculptor; and Birdie, the attorney. Zoie has a goal that no one can shake her lose from. A humble woman with very little income, she decides to gather aluminum cans to raise the money to build a swimming pool for the local children, regardless of their social status. With no regard for her safety or the hardships that she will encounter, and the pleas for her to quit, she plods alone for the next 7 years gathering cans.
During her mission, Zoie relives the stories connected to special cans that she stumbles on: the gold Budweiser can, the green Mountain Dew can, the Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and the orange NEHI can.
Saunders takes each can and draws the reader into its story. Before I knew it I found that there was something captivating about these cans, as these unique cans sent me on an incredible journey with Zoie; from the 1940's, through the turbulent time of the 1960's; and ending with 56-year-old, Zoie gathering cans during the 1980's
The story is so incredibly awesome! Especially when you get to the last 3 chapters. It is here that Saunders exiles as a writer. He delivers an ending that will astonish you, cause you to root and to appreciate this woman's devotion to her dream and her adoration for her husband, sister and friends. Highly recommend.